In Connection with Louis Blanc:
The Present Use and Future Possibility of the State
La Voix du Peuple
28th December 1849
Translator: Paul Sharkey
Writer: PJProudhon
Writings by Proudhon
Stock Exchange Speculator’s Manual
4th Edition
1857
Translator: Ian Harvey
Preface
Final Considerations
Chapter V:Psychological Exposition of the Idea of Justice
Property is impossible; equality does not exist. We hate the former, and yet wish to possess it; the latter rules all our thoughts, yet we know not how to reach it. Who will explain this profound antagonism between our conscience and our will? Who will point out the causes of this pernicious error, which has become the most sacred principle of justice and society?
I am bold enough to undertake the task, and I hope to succeed.
[…]
Chapter IV: That property is impossible.
The last resort of proprietors, — the overwhelming argument whose invincible potency reassures them, — is that, in their opinion, equality of conditions is impossible. “Equality of conditions is a chimera,” they cry with a knowing air; “distribute wealth equally to-day — to-morrow this equality will have vanished.”
Chapter III: Labour As The Efficient Cause Of The Domain Of Property
Nearly all the modern writers on jurisprudence, taking their cue from the economists, have abandoned the theory of first occupancy as a too dangerous one, and have adopted that which regards property as born of labour. In this they are deluded; they reason in a circle. To labour it is necessary to occupy, says M. Cousin.
[…]
Chapter II: Property Considered as a Natural Right
Occupation and civil law as efficient bases of property.
Definitions
Chapter I: Method Pursued In This Work — The Idea of a Revolution
What is Property?
An Inquiry into the Principle of Right and of Government
1840
Translator: Benjamin R. Tucker
Glossary of Terms, People and Events
Certain terms, people and events continually appear in Proudhon’s work. Rather than footnote each occurrence, information on them is summarised here. As with many French writers he refers to revolutionary events by date (i.e., ’89 for the start of the Great French Revolution and so on). He also refers to Year I, Year II, and so on, which are from the French Revolutionary calendar that began on September 22nd, 1792, the date of the official abolition of the monarchy and the nobility.